Does Childbirth have supernatural consequences?????
“But women will be saved through childbearing---if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” I Timothy 2:15
So here we go again…..everybody just say it together…. WHAT?!?!?!?!?
What is Paul talking about here. By just reading this verse alone, it sounds awfully strange does it not? It would sound as if women were actually able to “earn” salvation through having a child!
Who buys this?? What is wrong with this???? Can you think of any verses in God’s word this idea conflicts with??? Here are just 2 that immediately popped into my head:
John 14:6
Gal. 3:26-29
I think most of us agree that salvation is promised to everyone only through belief in Jesus Christ!
So what could Paul be saying here? Obviously we cannot take this verse alone at face value!
Many Bible footnotes give 3 possible meaning: 1) Godly women finding fulfillment as her role as wife and mom in the home. 2) women saved spiritually through the birth of Christ or 3) women being kept physically safe in childbirth. We will take a look at the different possibilities, but first, I gotta’ ask….What do you think? Let’s take a brief look into the climate and times this when this letter was written:
Ephesus was quite possibly the “sin city” of its’ time! Paul left Timothy in charge in the city to deal with the many false teachers that were working against the Church. He reminds him in his letter to “command certain ones not to teach false doctrine….nor to devote themselves to genealogies or myths”.
By Paul’s words, and use of forceful commands….do you think it is a good, a blossoming climate there??? NO! So what was going on there in Ephesus? What was it like??
The city was a very wealthy Asian city that revolved around the HUGE Temple of Artemis (Diana). It was said to be of stunning beauty, and was even listed as one of the 7 wonders of the world! Artemis was a goddess of fertility. She was also worshipped as a goddess of eros. (note: It was believed that she could protect women and children. During this time hundred and thousands of women and kids died in childbirth. So a goddess who promised protection from this was regarded very highly)
It is clear to see why worship of Artemis was SO FERVENT, especially in women. But what about men? Why would they possibly be so devoted? Here is a very probable answer: part of worship to Artemis was the physical act of sex! In fact, they believed sex IN THE TEMPLE would directly link them to the gods! They even employed female “priestesses” in the temple to serve as “holy prostitutes”! The women of the temple dressed very immodestly and even indecently. It was a very sinful place!
The city revolved around its’ infamous temple….so sin was obviously very widespread. Society was self indulgent and living a bacchanal life of sin!!!!!
1- Paul was disputing the worship of Artemis- In Greek, the word used in this verse for saved was “sozo” which also can translate to “SAFE” instead of “SAVED”. Paul was simply arguing to those being fooled by pagan false doctrine, that only faith in GOD would keep them safe through childbirth…and NOTHING ELSE!! He was simply encouraging them that no “safe” goddess could offer them such safety. (the word “Artemis” in Ephesus also meant “safe”) WHAT DO YOU THINK?
2- “The Perseverance Theory”- This says a woman will experience the full reality of her final and ultimate glorification by means of her present good works IN THE REALM OF MOTHERHOOD! It is her continuance on faith through which she was justified, which will be the true basis of her salvation, however. Or more simply, she will “find fulfillment in this role. They are saying that we are justified and saved by God’s grace alone (Acts 15:11), BUT good works are not completely disconnected from the salvation experience. So for women, the good works of their salvation is in raising and nurturing children! WHAT DO YOU THINK?
3- Different Gender Roles- Some argue that Paul is simply arguing in this entire chapter that men and women have DIFFERING roles in the Kingdom of God. They say according to verse 8, it is the man’s job to “lead worship and prayers”. And, the women’s role is to “dress modestly” and to “raise children”. This chapter is just laying out some roles. We can show love to Christ when we obey him. If we obey him we will use our abilities for him. One ability women have is to bear children and raise them for God. If we perform our roles we are showing our love for Christ. Men serve salvation through leading church, women through children. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
4- Saved through THE childbirth- Simply stated: women are saved through the most important childbirth ever…that of Christ. This was, in my opinion, is easily shot down. In original Greek texts the word THE was often used, but is dropped today. In other words “women are saved through THE childbirth”. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
5- The Garden of Eden Remembered- If you look at the few verses before the one in question…Paul mentions the fall in the Garden. Many feel he was using this reminder and relating it to Christian worship. How so???: Adam was given a commandment to stay away from one tree (Gen. 2:17). Eve disobeyed and tempted Adam to do so (Gen 2:17) So God told her that as a result she would always have pain in childbearing, and she will serve under her husband! (Gen 3:16). SO…Paul was saying that these lessons must be observed in communal worship as well. Men are to take the lead, and women are to remain quiet. And they say the reference to childbirth is a reminder of Eve and WHY women serve the role they do! Yet he says they will still be delivered safely through this if she does what the rest of the verse says. God will protect and deliver Christian women who are truly following him….EVEN through the pain of childbirth. WHAT DO YOU THINK?